By Kevin Leibrock
BROWNSBURG — A strong Terre Haute South boys' swim team hoisted the sectional trophy Saturday at Brownsburg, but Hendricks County's squads were not far behind.
Brownsburg (178) placed third, followed by Plainfield (fourth, 172), Avon (fifth, 150), Tri-West (seventh, 88), Danville (eighth, 61), and Cascade (10th, 24).
With a victory in the 100 free, Eric Waggoner (47.73) earned the host Bulldogs' lone spot in next week's state meet. Doug Day placed fourth in diving (310.60) to advance to Wednesday’s diving regional.
Brownsburg coach Josh Saylor was pleased with the effort and progression of his entire young team.
"Considering how we started the season, I couldn't be any happier with how they swam today," Saylor said. "We started out inexperienced, not anybody that had been in a pressure situation before. To see the way they've matured from season's beginning to season's end, it's been remarkable."
Also for Brownsburg, Kyle Paquin placed fourth in the 100 breast (1:03.32) and the 200 medley relay team of Paquin, Waggoner, Jared Woodings, and Clayton Morris finished third (1:41.10).
"Eric Waggoner was sectional champ the 100 free and brought home our 200 free relay with a really fast swim," Saylor said. "I was very impressed with Jared Woodings, he made finals in both of his events. Kyle Paquin had a career-changing swim in the 100 breaststroke. Those three guys really stood out in my mind."
Plainfield will compete in three events at state.
Michael Mohler dominated the distance freestyle events, taking both the 200 free (1:42.36) and 500 free (4:39.51). The Quakers' 400 free relay team of Mohler, Kyle Schmedake, Chris Tice, and Michael Hurst also advanced to state with a runner-up time of 3:16.87. Plainfield's Ethan Hetzler moved on to regionals by placing third in diving (333.30).
Avon didn't crown any sectional champions, but Orioles coach Jon Karr came away impressed with his team's veteran leadership. Senior Josh Miller led Avon with a runner-up finish in the 100 breast (1:01.23). Fellow senior Kevin Jones placed fourth in the 100 back (56.45).
"I thought Kevin Jones had a really good meet, as did Josh Miller," Karr said. "They both stepped up, I'm proud of the way the seniors performed today."
Tri-West's John Van Dyke returns to state in two events. He took the 100 fly (50.90) and finished runner-up in the 200 free (1:43.24).
Danville's top time came in the 200 medley relay, where Cody Buchanan, Grant Callahan, Daniel Freiburger, and Jack Helton finished sixth (1:46.85). The Warriors' Josh Dittmer took fifth in diving (307.10).
